RRI.CO.ID, Jayapura - The Regional Office of the Ministry of Law (Kemenkum) in Papua is accelerating the certification of sago through the Papua Sago Festival to strengthen the protection and development of one of the region’s most iconic local commodities, ensuring it is legally recognized and shielded from unauthorized claims.

Head of the Papua Kemenkum Regional Office, Anthonius Mathius Ayorbaba, said on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, that the festival serves as a starting point for building a comprehensive sago downstreaming ecosystem.

“With this festival, we want to encourage the birth of Geographical Indication (GI) certification for sago, so that the potential in each region can be clearly identified and legally protected,” he said, as quoted by Antara.

The push for certification is framed as a strategic response to Papua's current fiscal challenges and the urgent need for local-based economic growth. To achieve this, Anthonius emphasized that legal protection through GI certification is vital to ensure sago from specific regions possesses an official identity, effectively preventing third parties from claiming these local varieties.

Furthermore, the Ministry recognizes the profound cultural and economic value of sago as a traditional staple, aiming to protect it legally to transform this "white gold" into a sustainable economic pillar for the Papuan people. To strengthen the scientific basis for this certification, The ministry plans to initiate a research collaboration with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to conduct in-depth studies on unique sago varieties across various regencies.

Beyond certification, the ministry is advocating for regulations that prevent sago forests from being converted into other land uses. This conservation-focused approach ensures that the resource remains available for future generations.

“Through this festival, we also encourage local administration to research the sago potential in their respective areas to support the Geographical Indication registration process,” Anthonius added.

By identifying superior varieties in each regency, Papua can better market its sago products both nationally and internationally.

The move to secure Geographical Indication (GI) certification for Papuan sago is a masterstroke in intellectual property diplomacy. Much like Champagne in France or Parmigiano-Reggiano in Italy, giving sago a legal "sense of place" elevates it from a mere commodity to a premium heritage product.

This not only protects indigenous knowledge but also increases the market value of the crop, providing a direct boost to local farmers.

Furthermore, the involvement of BRIN and the focus on downstreaming indicates a shift toward a modern, science-based bio-economy. By integrating traditional cultural staples with rigorous legal frameworks and scientific research, the Ministry of Law is helping Papua transition toward economic self-sufficiency.

Protecting sago forests from land conversion is not just an environmental win, it is an essential step in securing the long-term food sovereignty of the Papuan people. ***